Hope for scraps on tax-cut compromise

The idea that extending the tax cuts for the rich is patently, obviously ridiculous. These lower rates have been in effect throughout this recession and having them has not created any jobs. Why would continuing them make any difference?

The amazing thing is that the Republicans, clearly out to help the rich while not wanting to spend a dime to help the poor or the middle class, convinced all those poor and middle class voters to put them in this position of power. The tea party, in particular, is upset about the deficit and government spending to help the poor; but they are not upset about the $500 billion increased deficit (over 2 years) from helping the rich. This is mind-boggling.

Meanwhile, the Democrats outraged about Obama's current deal were too scared to show this outrage during the campaign. They were unable to make this obvious case against the Republicans and now they're stuck with a government that won't accomplish anything (by Republican design: Politics first, America second) unless deals like this are struck to at least get something to help people. If the Democrats were capable of sticking together the way the Republicans are, much more could have been accomplished while they had majorities and, perhaps the situation would now be different. An example of how it's done is the Bush Medicare prescription coverage which cost trillions and, while meeting a need, mostly favored the insurance companies.

A fight on the tax cuts for the wealthy would have been nice, politically, but would give no help to the economy. The American people gave the Republicans the power to hold their own well-being hostage and now we all have to live with it and hope for any scraps that are thrown down to the rest of us.

David Greb

Roselle